Intranasal administration of different liquid formulations of bumetanide to rabbits

The bioavailability of bumetanide in rabbits after intranasal administration of eight formulations intended for use in acute situations has been studied. The vehicles tested were combinations of phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, glycofurol 75, polyethylene glycol 200 and coconut oil. A mixture of 5% glycofurol in polyethylene glycol 200 was administered containing doses of 1 and 8 mg bumetanide respectively. For all other formulations the lower dose level only was studied. The t max obtained ranged from 3 to 10 min. The vehicles resulting in the highest rate of absorption were 60% glycofurol in coconut oil and pure glycofurol. The observed bioavailability for the different formulations ranged from 16 to 37% for the time period 0–120 min. The bioavailability was also calculated omitting the initial peak seen after i.v. injection, which may be undesirable. Using this method bioavailabilities of 33–82% for the time interval 5–120 min was found. The study also demonstrated that the total amount of bumetanide absorbed increased proportionally to the dose administered. The rate of absorption of bumetanide from all formulations tested may be relevant for the treatment of acute oedematous states. The t max obtained after intranasal administration was shorter than reported for other non-parenteral routes of administration.